Friday Night Lights

There is no better time for high school football than under the lights on a cool autumn night, like this past Friday, where Manhasset hoped to avenge a first round playoff loss from last year. Manhasset (2-1) was coming off two dominant wins to face the Carey Seahawks (1-2).

Carey was on the board first, 7-0, but Manhasset quickly followed on their next drive. After keeping the ball on the ground and completing two first downs, quarterback Timmy Barrett threw a 57-yard pass to Ahmad Crowell. Joey Terenzi followed up with a 2-yard run and the score was tied at 7 after the extra point by Alex Papadakos. Carey scored again on their next possession but the defense was able to block the extra point attempt to close out the first quarter, 7-13.

In the second quarter the Indians came out strong and took the lead for the first time. A 30-yard pass from Barrett to Terenzi put the ball on the 4-yard line. Terenzi completed the drive with another touchdown and the score stood at 14-13.

Coming from behind again after another Carey touchdown, Manhasset wasted no time. Barrett made a 47 yard pass to Aidan Mulholland to cross the 50-yard line. Barrett followed a 17 yard run with a pass to Mulholland for a dive and catch to put the ball in scoring position. Terenzi then scored his third touchdown of the game and Papadakos completed his third extra point attempt and the Indians were back on top, 21-20, heading into the half.

Joey Terenzi

The Indians were unable to put any points on the board during the second half but were still able to show that they are a tough team and capable of competing with a top division opponent.

Barrett had a 64-yard run which lead to the Indians eventually getting to the 2-yard line on one missed opportunity. On another series, Barrett connected with Crowell while under immense pressure for a first down but the Indian’s offense stalled.

The Manhasset defense was also able to stop Carey when they had good field position on a couple of occurrences. With Carey in Indian territory, a tackle by Blaze Conlan followed by a tipped pass by Sean Tintle stopped a drive. On another attempt, Aidan Cole and Conlan both made tackles that forced Carey to punt.

Manhasset was defeated with a final score of 21-35. It was a disappointing loss but the team is remaining positive. Terenzi, who scored all of the Indian’s touchdowns commented, “There’s a lot to improve on. We played great in the first half which shows we can do anything.”

Barrett also spoke after the game, “It was a team loss, a team effort. We’ve got to play better. There are a couple plays we wish we could have back…everyone has their heads held high heading into Valley Stream.”

Sophia Vlahakis is currently a sophomore at Manhasset High School. She hopes to pursue a career in journalism.